I thought I was prepared for Gravel Burn. I mean, I was – I did all the training and was in good shape going into the race, but I think I just underestimated everything about South Africa, particularly the region and the terrain I traversed during the seven stages. It was extremely hard on the body – particularly the hands, shoulders, neck, and arms. Perhaps I made the wrong equipment choices, but with so many external factors influencing the seven stages, it was impossible to predict an accurate outcome. It’s a beautiful race but also unforgiving. It takes no prisoners, and the moment you show any weakness, it will chew you up and spit you out.
And before you ask, yes, I’m a South African, but I've been living in the UK for the past six or seven years. I’ve raced most of the mountain bike stage races in South Africa, including the Cape Epic, and am well-versed in the terrain's unpredictability.
